SkyFive Properties Blog

Around 5.3 million existing homes were sold in 2018, and the number has stayed pretty static in the past decade. Many people opt to buy new homes, which may put you at a disadvantage for the housing market.

Since the market doesn’t necessarily favor sellers, you’ll want to avoid home selling mistakes. They could not only cost you the sale but might whack off thousands of dollars off the final price of your home.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the things you should avoid to ensure that your house not only sells but sells for what it’s worth.

Read on for more.

1. Not Being Upfront About Pitfalls of the House

Have you ever purchased something from eBay and been upset when you received it because the seller wasn’t upfront about the marks on it? Did you send the item back?

Well, not being upfront about the pitfalls of your house can knock off a lot of money when it comes to the final amount you receive. It can even cause a prospective buyer to back out at the last minute, something you absolutely do not want.

This website advises that you be upfront with a buyer about all of the bad things about the house so that you don’t fall into the trap. That means if there’s roof damage, the neighbors are especially noisy or the backdoor is rotting, be honest.

Otherwise, your dishonesty, or wanting to hide it, may cost you more than you bargained for.

2. Not Being Ready to Sell the House

Are you still kind of shaky on the thought of moving? Is this the home you raised your children in and the thought of leaving it makes you seriously weepy? Are you positive that you’re making the right decision?

While nostalgia and weeping may be part and parcel of moving, if you’re not 100% ready to move emotionally, you shouldn’t even start the process. This is because you may find yourself stalling or unintentionally talking buyers out of purchasing your home.

In the end, your goal is to sell the house, not to keep it. But if in the back of your mind you don’t want to let it go, you may find that you self-sabotage your sale.

3. Setting the Price Higher Than the House is Worth

While most people expect that potential buyers will counteroffers with a lower offer, don’t try and sell a home for way more than it’s worth. You don’t want someone shopping for a home and then see yours is way above market price for what they’re looking for and there’s no reason why it should be.

If you do this, you’ll have serious issues selling your home, as potential buyers will be too turned off to even make an offer. Instead, set a price for what it’s worth and then put it on the market for that, no matter how much extra money you’d like in your pocket.

4. Bad Photos

If you’re listing the house yourself, you’ll want to make sure you take really good photos to attract potential buyers. Some real estate companies will take professional photos for you, which can help market your home for sale. This is the best way to go, as it will make your home look more appealing.

But if you don’t spring for the professional photo shoot, at least make your home look as good as possible. If you have a friend with some photography experience, you may even want to ask him or her to come over and shoot some photos for you to help enhance your listing.

5. Emptying Your House Before Putting It on the Market

While an empty house may sell in a seller’s market, this isn’t the case for most homes. So, don’t list your house after you’ve emptied your furniture unless you absolutely have to for some reason. If you need to move on a dime, it is possible to rent furniture as well for this express purpose or hire someone to stage your home.

Empty homes don’t typically sell because people can’t think about where they’ll put items. They also can’t see the uses for rooms and may pass it over without a second thought.

6. Not Using a Realtor

Can you sell a house without a realtor? Sure. Is it a good idea? Probably not.

Selling a house is complicated, the least of which is showing it off and having someone decide they want it. There is a ton of legal paperwork involved, as well as the photography, staging, scheduling showings and everything else you need in order to ensure the house sells for a fair price.

If you have no realty experience, it can turn out to be a disaster, as you’ll effectively be going into the sale blind. You’ll have no idea how to stage a house, what legalities are needed or how to accept an offer.

Don’t do it yourself to save money. That could cost you even more in the long run.

Home Selling Mistakes to Avoid

These six tips are only some of the home selling mistakes you’ll want to avoid when putting your house on the market. While it seems overwhelming, there are even more mistakes you can make when trying to sell your house, so you’ll want to make sure you’re all caught up with the latest in real estate news.

Continue reading our blog for more information on how to be sure that you’re making the right choices.

36% of homeowners report that the significant result from remodeling is better livability and functionality. 17% report aesthetics and beauty, and 17% report long-lasting and durable materials. In this wild new economy, it is very important to think through all financial decisions like renovations with a great deal of prudence.

Your bathroom is a vital space in your home that can yield a higher return on investment if you’ve recently renovated. Buyers are always on the lookout for a beautiful and fresh smelling bathroom that reminds them of soothing spas or luxury hotels they’ve enjoyed. Most importantly, they want to envision themselves enjoying such luxury in their new home.

Most homeowners don’t have a perfect bathroom, but this doesn’t mean that they’ve got to do costly renovations to sell their home.

Want to sell your home fast? Take these bathroom remodeling tips into consideration. Updating your bathroom is a surefire way to help your house sell.

Use Space Efficiently

A bathroom storage space is an integral part of any bathroom remodel. project Buyers want to see that you have enough room for extra toilet paper, bathroom appliances, or toiletries. If you’ve got a small bathroom, you can install a sink in the corner. Ensure that you also make room for more countertop space by getting rid of an extra vanity sink.

Maximize your vertical storage and save floor space by fitting the tall storage cabinets to the wall. Ideally, the interior depth should be three inches, and the door has to flush with the wall. This way, your small bathroom space will feel less crowded.

Make Minor Upgrades

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a complete renovation while you can make small, inexpensive upgrades with a more significant impact. Some of the things that are worth an upgrade include updating towel bars, installing new light fittings, and replacing worn and leaking taps. Ross from The Solar Advantage says: Putting projects in priority based on value/cost will help you stay confident during renovations, eliminating stress is a huge win

Take note that in some bathrooms, it’s worth changing the tiles. Opting for large white tiles makes your bathroom feel more contemporary and spacious. If you’re aiming for buyers who’re expecting a higher level of bathroom luxury, consider replacing cabinetry, shower screens, and countertops.

Consider Lifestyle When Choosing Your Materials

If you’re changing your floor tiles, stone and marble are excellent water-resistant choices for your bathroom. If it’s a high humidity area or bathroom for young children, ceramic is a perfect option. You can also add a real luxury attraction by incorporating radiant heat floor mats on your bathroom flooring.

Beautify With Accessories

Once you clear your bathroom products, you should add a few accessories to add a layer of luxury, elegance, and warmth. You can create a spa-like experience by using accessories (like towels, toilet brush holders, and so on) in soft and tranquil colors. Don’t forget to include natural loofah and candles, bath oils, and fragrance soaps.

Do your research, finding up-to-date design trends can help determine what you could do for your remodeling. Design trends will help make your planning easier.

You should display these products as groupings rather than scattering them. To keep everything simple, use a wooden tray as a base and group the items in odd numbers. Try to vary the height of jars and candles. You can even create a private hotel suite by adding an ottoman or a stool.

Settle For a Functional Tub

Understand that a bigger tub isn’t always better. If a tub is too large, it can make your bathroom feel crowded. If you’re thinking about replacing your tub, 60 inches is perfect for most people. However, you still have to access the neck support, lip for comfort, and angled back.

If it’s a tab for two people, it should have a tap in the middle and slant at either end. If you’ve got a large bathroom, a stand-alone tub brings out elegance.

Design a Stylish and Functional Lighting

Your lighting has to speak to your design concept. You can incorporate different layers of light; decorative pendants/ flush mounts, sconces, and recessed. For the case of buyers who aren’t a fan of bright light, consider installing dimmers and adjust where you see fit.

Have the Right Insulation

When remodeling your bathroom, don’t overlook the importance of installing a ventilation system. If not fitted correctly, it can contribute to problems such as a build-up of mildew and mold. Your ventilation system should be near the shower or tub, but not next to the heating/conditioning vent.

This is because forced air tends to create currents that may disrupt the bathroom fans’ steady intake of humid air. For your bathroom to have the right ventilation, your exhaust fan should vent outside not into another area of the house or the attic. If you want to learn more about bathroom ventilation to incorporate in your next remodel, you should check out this guide.

Build an Open Shower Area

You should consider building a shower that’s separate from the tub. Go for those with less confining and more open-concept than a standard shower stall. Shower seats are becoming a popular concept and come in handy when you’re injured or even shaving.

Hand showers are also a great option as they are cost-effective, convenient, and an upgrade compared to the traditional shower head. Consider keeping a shower/tub combo in the bathroom for young kids. You can also utilize a whimsical/fun shower curtain for ease of helping the younger children bath.

Bonus Bathroom Remodeling Tips for Better Sale

A beautifully designed bathroom can easily attract potential buyers. One of the bathroom remodeling tips that’s eye-catching is a minimalistic design. This means that you’ve to fit tall cabinets on the wall if you’ve got a small bathroom.

Small updates that can easily be overlooked can have a huge impact on the overall bathroom remodel. This can include installing towel bars or replacing leaking taps.

Buyers who are looking to buy a house always have a desire for elegance and style. You can always style up your bathroom with different accessories like bath oil or fragrance soaps.

You don’t want a new homeowner to use your bathroom for a few months and end up complaining about mold build-up. Ensure that you have got a properly fitted ventilation system that’s away from the heating vent.

Are you looking for an ideal investment plan? Check out some of our fantastic collection of condos that you can invest in.

Research shows that the housing market has recently experienced a decline. This is surprising as the same study also shows that mortgage rates have dropped.

If you’re looking to sell your home, you might be wondering how you can get the job done, in spite of challenging market conditions.

One option is to work with a real estate investor. In doing so, you can sell your home without having to face the problems associated with the ‘normal’ route.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of working with home investors. If you’re struggling to secure a sale, this post will show you how an investor can help.

Let’s begin!

Sell Quickly

Selling your home to an investor is often the fastest way to sell your home.

This is because the investor is already in a position where they can buy the home. As a result, they don’t need to wait around to land any form of financing to secure the transaction.

Now, this isn’t always the case, and so you’ll want to verify this with the investor ahead of time. Generally, the bigger the investment firm, the faster the transaction will happen.

No Pressure to Move

When working with an investor, you often have a lot of freedom in terms of when you can move.

This is because investors aren’t looking to move into your home. Therefore, you can negotiate a grace period in the contract that allows you to live in your home, while you take the time to find a new place.

If the deadline arrives, and you’ve not moved out yet, it’s not always a big issue. This is because an investor might rent the house to you, should you struggle to find a new home.

Sell the House Without Doing a Lot of Work

Provided there are no major problems with your home, a real estate investor will often be more than happy to buy the home in its current condition.

This is because they flip houses for a living, and so they know how to approach a house that requires refurbishment.

This is helpful because it means you don’t need to do a lot of work on your home, to generate a sale.

That said, you may need to do a bit of digging to find one that’s happy to do things this way.

One way you can find such an investor is by performing an online search. For instance, if search ‘local home investors who buy houses,’ you should be able to find someone that fits the bill.

Will You Work with Home Investors?

Finding home investors you can trust is probably the hardest part of this process.

If you come across an investor, you might want to ask them about some of the existing properties in their portfolio. Prominent investors tend to be more reliable, and so taking this step can be an excellent way to protect yourself.

You also want to be careful when it comes to signing contracts. If you struggle with legal documents, make sure you hire a lawyer. Taking this step can be a good way to protect yourself, should the investor have any malicious intent.

Do you have any suggestions on how to find a reliable investor? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

According to US News and World Report, 2019 is a good time to put your house on the market. New buyers are entering the market. Interest rates are still low.

Several sources recommend considering a house update to increase market appeal. Declutter, deep clean, and make the house feel open and inviting.

What House Update Will Increase the Marketability of Your Home?

Home improvements add value to your home whether you plan to sell it or to improve your quality of life. Green upgrades can create an instant return on your investment.

Remodeling the Kitchen

According to a recent survey, 80% of homebuyers put the kitchen in the top 3 most important spaces in the house. According to HGTV, kitchen remodels should provide a 70% return on your investment.

Be sure the kitchen updates don’t make it more modern than the rest of the. Simple, low cost upgrades can go a long way.

Put a fresh coat of paint in modern colors on the walls. Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models that are Energy Star-rated. This future cost savings appeals to buyers.

You may consider a new faucet if the current one is old, rusty, or outdated. Faucets can be expensive, so shop carefully.

Upgrade the Bathroom

If your house only has one bathroom, you may check the cost/benefit of adding a second bathroom. A half-bath will need 18 square feet.

You can also upgrade bathrooms with fresh paint in light colors. Replace old-looking light fixtures and faucets. Clean the bathroom and remove mold and mildew stains.

If you shop at resale stores, you may be able to find toilets, sinks, counters, showers, or tubs at reasonable prices that could modernize your bathroom.

Add Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy Star-rated windows can save up to $500 in heating and cooling cost each year. The average cost of window replacement is approximately $10,000. Yet, when you look at potential cost savings over time, this can be a good return on investment.

More Ways to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Add an extra layer of insulation to your attic for approximately $200. This could result in a $2,500 savings per year in utility charges. Likewise, sealing cracks around windows, doors, and other places in your home can increase its energy efficiency.

Consider replacing light fixtures with ones that use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFL fixtures use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and put out 75% less heat.

Programmable thermostats decrease your energy use by maximizing the air conditioning and heating for times when you are home. When you are away from home, you can program the thermostat to a more economical temperature.

Finally, consider a high-efficiency water heater. Experienced homebuyers will recognize this detail as another cost saving effort.

Replace the Roof

The potential buyer sees the roof first. If the roof doesn’t appear in great shape, this put the buyer ill-at-ease. It doesn’t matter how great the inside of the house is if the roof leaks when it rains.

Consider replacing the roof if needed. Then you can promote this as a positive selling point. When you are ready to find a roofer, click here to receive an estimate and compare local companies.

Is It Time to Find a New Home to Fit Your Needs?

Our company provides expertise for purchasing and selling real estate. We work with residential, multi-family, land, and commercial properties.

We can help you increase marketability with a house update. Our staff can provide design services and resources to meet your goals.

Real estate is our passion. Explore our site today and let us help make your dreams come true.

Your home is still beautiful, but it’s antiquated. The appliances are old, the siding is faded, and the shingles are starting to curl. For this reason, you’re planning a remodel.

Now all that’s left to do is to find a reputable home remodeling company. The only problem is: you don’t know how.

That’s where we come in. Below, we’re going to review the 7 key questions to ask before hiring a home remodeling contractor. Let’s go!

Questions to Ask a Home Remodeling Contractor

Home remodeling contractors run the gamut from highly-skilled experts to no-skill frauds. To find a good one, you’ve got to do some research and you’ve got to ask some questions. Those questions are as follows.

1. How Experienced are You?

First, you need to ask your prospective contractor about his or her experience in the profession. In most cases, length of experience correlates to quality, particularly if said experience equals decades.

However, not only should you be asking about the length of experience, but the type of experience as well. See, some contractors specialize in certain areas of home remodeling, such as windows, roofs, siding, etc. You need to be sure that your contractor is experienced in the type of service you require.

We recommend hiring a contractor with at least 5 years of experience. If a contractor has been able to make a living for 5 years, odds are that he or she is providing a worthwhile service.

2. Are You Licensed?

In many US states, home remodeling contractors are required by law to obtain licenses in order to perform work on existing residential structures. If you live in one of these states, you need to ask prospective contractors whether they’re licensed.

Wondering how you can test the legitimacy of a specific contractor’s license? Most states have license lookup databases that are open to the public online.

3. Do You Have Insurance?

Not only should your home remodeling contractor have a license (in the appropriate states), but he or she should also have insurance. Utilizing the services of an uninsured contractor is exceedingly risky, as — in the event of damage to your home or injury to a sub-contractor — you could be held legally liable.

The two types of insurance you need to look out for include general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. If your prospective contractor can’t provide proof of these insurances, you need to look elsewhere.

4. Do You Secure Permits for Your Clients?

Another thing you’ll want to discuss with your prospective contractor is whether or not he or she secures construction permits for his or her clients. Unfortunately, not all contractors do this, leaving the often stressful and time-consuming task to the homeowners.

While the choice is totally up to you, we recommend hiring a contractor who will, indeed, secure permits for his or her clients. Not only because it will save time and stress, but because experienced contractors will know exactly which types of permits to secure.

5. How Long Will My Project Take?

Home remodeling contractors work on different timelines. While some can finish a project in just a few hours, others can take a full work day and sometimes even several full work days. For this reason, you need to ask your prospective contractor about how long he or she expects your project to take.

If you’re paying hourly, this is even more important, as the longer your contractor takes, the more money you’re going to have to pay. Plus, let’s be honest, who wants someone performing noisy work on their house for long periods of time?

Any experienced contractor will have a general idea as to how long different projects take. If you can’t get a straight answer, or if the time required far exceeds the time needed for other contractors, you should look elsewhere.

6. Who Will Be Working on My House?

Odds are, if you’re utilizing home remodeling services, you’re going to have more than one person working on your house. It’s your responsibility to find out just who these people will be.

In some cases, contractors will have their own teams. In these cases, team members tend to work on the same projects day in and day out and are required by law to be covered under the contractor’s insurance.

However, in other cases, contractors bring in sub-contractors. While this isn’t always a bad thing, it can be. If your prospective contractor uses sub-contractors, you need to be sure that they’re covered under insurance.

If your contractor’s workers aren’t covered under insurance, you need to find a different contractor.

7. What Does a Typical Workday Look Like for You?

Another thing to ask your prospective contractor is what his or her typical workday looks like. This is important because it allows you to determine the type of effect your contractor will have on your house during the project. Considering you live in your house, it will have an effect on you as well.

Ask about starting and stopping times, ask about noise, ask about methods of working, and ask about your responsibilities as the owner of the home. You and your contractor need to be on the same page so that neither of you is stepping on the other’s toes.

This is a great opportunity to get to know your contractor as well. Developing a working relationship is important because it enables you to learn more about the design and remodeling processes.

8. What are Your Rates?

It’s impossible to know what a contractor will charge unless you ask that contractor about his rates. Highly successful and long-working contractors will typically charge more than newbies, as they have the clout, the experience, and expertise needed to do so.

Regardless of who you’re talking to, you need to ask for an estimate. Any contractor worth his or her salt will give you one. If your prospective contractor won’t give you an estimate, you shouldn’t utilize his or her services.

In Need of Some Home Remodeling Tips?

While your home remodeling contractor can help you with the design of your house, you might be searching for some home remodeling tips on your own. If so, you’re in the right place.

Tasteful Space has a bevy of home remodeling articles for you peruse. Check out our home remodeling articles now!

When you’re in need of a quick home sale, how do you start to make that happen? You might need to split the proceeds from a divorce or an estate and are under pressure to get the house sold.

There are a few ways you can sell your house quickly. It just requires a little thinking outside the box.

How can you sell your house fast? Read on to find out.

1. Staging for Maximum Impact

If you want to sell your house fast, you need to make sure that it looks sharp and presentable. Did you know that almost half of all home buyers consider how the house was staged when they’re house shopping?

You need to make sure that the inside and outside of the house are appealing. Clean up any weeds in the yard, make the walkway look welcoming, and give color to the yard with various plants and flowers.

The inside of the home has to be clean, clutter-free and updated. Anything with lime green or hot pink may turn off buyers. Remember that everything has to come together inside the home, the colors, the lighting, furniture, and décor. It needs to wow the buyers right away.

2. Timing Matters

Another key to selling your home fast is to time the sale right. You may have to wait a little bit to make sure that people are actually looking for homes when you’re getting ready to sell.

If you need to sell the house and it’s the middle of winter, you have to weigh whether or not you should list the home now. Most people will buy a home in the warmer months. If you decide to list it in the winter, the home could sit on the market longer and bring down the value of the home.

3. Work with an Agent

You should consider working with an agent rather than trying to sell the house on your own. Let’ face it, you’re probably not an expert in negotiations and contracts.

You’ll want to get someone on your side who can tell you when to sell, what your home is worth, and how fast you can realistically sell it.

They also have access to other agents and listing services to put your home in front of as many potential buyers as possible.

4. Sell Your Home for Cash

If you don’t have the time for steps 1-3, your other option is to sell your home for cash. You’ll want to find a “we buy houses company” that can buy your house outright and fast.

There’s no waiting for a loan to get approved since it’s a cash transaction. It will close faster and you’ll be able to get your money sooner.

How to Sell Your House Fast

When you’re in a hurry to sell a house, you need to know how to sell your house fast. If you miss any of the steps listed here, you could be disappointed with the amount the home gets or it takes much longer than you want it to.

Do you want more great home buying tips? Check the blog often for the latest real estate trends.

There are 10.4 million residential pools in America.

The American dream is still alive and well with many people desiring to own their own home. For the aspiring (and existing) homeowners, having a pool in the backyard is an important milestone.

A swimming pool in the home is the perfect spot for pool parties and sunbathing. Again, a quick dip on a hot day can be quite refreshing.

While many people desire a swimming pool, they may not quite understand the work that goes into maintaining a pool. This article will provide insights into swimming pool maintenance.

Circulation

Without circulation, you probably would not have a functional swimming pool.

A pool’s circulation is what enables the water to move towards the filtration point in addition to helping spread the chemicals in the water.

Your pool will be fitted with a pump and a filter at a minimum. The pump will suck water out of the pool which will then be directed towards the filter.

Once it hits the filter, the water will be cleaned by eliminating any particles that are dirtying it. The clean water is then pumped back into the pool using a jet.

As long as your circulation is working fine then you will rarely experience any cloudy pool water or have algae showing up.

When you’re setting your pool up, you will need to install a multi-directional jet. The feature will be essential in your swimming pool maintenance as it will reduce dead areas.

These are the points where there is poor water circulation. While they can at times be unavoidable, you will still have to clean them manually.

Your multi-directional jet can help you point circulation towards these areas to reduce the amount of cleaning necessary. Some of the dead areas in a pool include:

● The area under the skimmers
● The area in and around the pool steps
● The space behind the ladders
● Any crack, crevice or crease

Once you set your pool up, you will need to brush the dead areas at least once every seven days.

If you don’t, you will allow debris and algae (or other microorganisms) to accumulate. In the end, your pool will become unhygienic.

Should you be unable to personally brush when necessary, you can always hire a pool cleaning service company to do it for you.

The Pumping Mechanism

For you to keep all the water in the pool clean it needs to run through the pump at least once per day.

Ideally, you should be running you pump 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But not everyone’s equipment or budget can accommodate that.

An effective compromise here is to let the pump run for ten to 12 hours daily. That will be decent enough time to circulate the water and keep it clean.

One neat trick with pool pumping is that you don’t have to stick to a fixed schedule as long as you pump for the required hours.

Therefore, you can choose to pump during off-peak hours when your electricity provider charges less.

Another approach you can use is to spread the hours throughout the day instead of pumping it back-to-back.

Cleaning the Pool

Your swimming pool will become dirty due to leaves and other foliage, frogs, insects, and contaminants from those who use it. Bacteria can also contaminate your pool.

When cleaning your pool you should begin by removing any visible debris on the surface by skimming. Empty the skimmer net away from the pool.

Once you’re done skimming you will need to vacuum it. Turn the nozzles of the jet down to reduce ripples so that you can see the floor clearly.

When you start vacuuming, move slowly in overlapping parallel lines on the pool floor. If your pool is too wide to clean in one trip then vacuum half of it at a time.

As you’re vacuuming, keep an eye on your hose. If it starts floating then that can mean there’s a puncture in the line or that the filter is full.

Once you’re done with the vacuuming, brush the sides and other dead areas with a nylon brush fitted on the vacuum pole. If the pool floor is made of concrete, then use a stainless steel brush instead.

A worthwhile tip for clearing cloudy pool water is to use flocculant. Although it does the job, it is a short term measure until you can resolve the root cause of the cloudiness.

Getting the Chemicals Right

Cleaning your pool isn’t just a matter of skimming, vacuuming and brushing. Those processes are necessary, but if you only rely on them, your pool will turn into a dark lagoon.

A chemical sanitizer is what keeps your pool from becoming dark due to accumulated contaminants.

Chlorine is the most recognizable stabilizer, but there are others you can use like Bromine, for example.

Before you add in the chemicals, you need to know your water’s composition. Figure that out, and you will know the correct amount and type of chemicals to use.

A water testing kit is, therefore, an indispensable tool for any pool owner in regard to determining their water composition.

There are three things you need to know so that you can treat your pool properly.

They include:

● The pH levels which tell you how acidic or basic the water is
● The level of the sanitizer
● Alkalinity which works as a pH buffer helping prevent huge acidity or basicity levels

Always test the water first to determine these three things before you add any chemicals.

You can also add pool shock to compliment the sanitizer. Add pool shock only at night as the sun will eat up the chlorine before it can be effective.

Run the pump for eight hours after adding pool shock for optimal circulation.

Learn What Maintaining a Pool Takes

Owning a home with a pool is a dream for many Americans. While a swimming pool in your back yard has many benefits, it is not without its upkeep.

It is important to know what goes into maintaining a pool so that you can prepare adequately for it.

Are you looking to buy a home? Talk to a property expert about what it takes to get a pool for your new house.

Did you know that in the U.S. alone, the total length of all paved roads combined is a whopping 2.6 million miles? That’s almost 105 times the Equatorial circumference of the earth, which is only 24,901 miles!

That’s a lot of pavement, almost 95% of which use asphalt as the top-most surface. After all, asphalt is very hard, strong, and durable. It’s also quite flexible that it can accommodate flaws in the underlying layers of the ground.

This doesn’t mean that they’re easy to mix and lay down on your own though. It’s always best to hire a paving contractor if you need to install a pavement.

Granted, hiring paving professionals will make your project costs go up. But the following reasons should be enough to make you realize how worthy the extra cost is.

1. Prevent Construction Hazards

In 2017, the private industry reported a shocking total of 4,674 worker fatalities. What’s more, over 20% of those fatal accidents were in the construction sector alone!

Falls and getting struck by an object are the top reasons for these accidents. Many also resulted from getting electrocuted or caught in or between machines.

Either way, all these points to the many hazards that construction workers deal with at work. These are already professionals, so imagine what can happen to someone inexperienced.

That said, your own safety is the main reason you should hire paving professionals. They have the skills, training, and experience to keep paving accidents at bay.

2. High-Quality Results Delivered

When hiring a paving constructor, you are much more likely to see high-quality results. These include a pavement that has a stable foundation and proper drainage. They’ll also build professional paving that sits on top of a solid subgrade and stronger base.

Not familiar with the terms “solid subgrade” and “aggregate base”? Then that’s all the more reason you’d want to work with professionals instead.

3. Timely Completion of Project

Timely project completion is another of the top benefits of professional paving. Think about it. If you were to rent or buy your own paving equipment, you need to first learn how to operate them.

Understanding the correct use of paving machines alone can already take up a lot of your time. Whereas professionals already know how to operate these machines in a safe manner. Meaning, they can get to building your pavement project right away — and finish it faster than if you do it on your own.

4. Reduced Liability

So long as you work with a reputable paving contractor, then you don’t have to worry about liabilities. That’s because licensed paving contractors are fully insured and bonded. They also ensure all their workers carry worker’s compensation.

All these give you peace of mind knowing that in case of an accident, you won’t be responsible.

5. Implementation of Only the Best Paving Practices

Experienced contractors use the best practices to build and install solid, stable pavement. They know that high-quality materials are key to a high-quality surface. They also ensure that the bottom-most layer of the ground is properly compacted.

6. Backed by a Warranty

The most reputable paving professionals are always confident of their top-notch work. But they also know that the characteristics of high-quality pavement aren’t always visible. That’s why they back up their work with extensive warranties.

Hire a Paving Contractor for the Best Project Results

There you have it, six of the top reasons to hire a paving contractor instead of laying out your own pavement. Remember, it’s your own safety on the line.

Plus, highly-experienced paving professionals will get the work done for you much faster. That means you can enjoy your super strong and stable pavement ASAP!

Looking for more ways to improve or maintain your property? Then be sure to check out and bookmark our site’s blog section!

Did you know that the flooring in your home can have a huge effect on its resale value?

Pretty much any major change that you make to your home is going to have at least some effect on what you’ll get when you decide to sell. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make renovations, though.

Most things you do will improve the resale value, but it’s good to know what won’t so you can avoid putting money into major projects that are going to hurt it. Flooring can go either way. In this post, we’re going to tell you which kinds of flooring will affect the resale value of your home, both positively and negatively.

When you’re done reading this, you’ll know whether or not you should rip up that linoleum in the kitchen. Let’s dig in.

Which Kinds of Flooring Will Affect Resale Value?

There are many factors that inform this discussion, personal preference being the most important. You’ll also need to take climate into account, as well as what typically goes in different rooms. Hint: If you want to make money on your flooring, don’t cover up the hardwood in your bathrooms with carpeting.

Wood

As you might have guessed, wood flooring is the way to go in your home. It’s got the best return on investment because it’s durable, it looks good, and everyone loves it.

The only downside to getting wood floors in your home is the cost per square foot and the installation costs. However, experts say that wood floors can increase the value of a home by nearly 3%.

Some woods are more sought after than others. Oak and walnut are popular in most regions and thus, cost the most.

Porcelain, Stone, and Marble Tile

In certain climates, wood isn’t always the best answer for your home. Hot and humid places like Florida or east Texas make having wood floors tough. Because of the humidity, wood can warp and grow mold.

As a result, in these areas, porcelain, stone, and marble tile take precedent. All of these materials are quite attractive to buyers, but the sheer cost of the materials and installation are going to lower your ROI.

Porcelain ranges anywhere from $18-$32 per square foot, depending on who’s installing it. If done well, it can easily be the best flooring option for resale.

Stone tile costs a bit less, but it’s a specific look that not every buyer is going to love. Marble tile can cost as much as $44 per square foot and the potential maintenance may be too much for some buyers.

Carpet

Carpet is considerably cheaper than other forms of flooring, but for that reason, most buyers will be turned off by it. If you’ve got carpet in your home now, consider removing it and going with one of the cheaper tiles or wood before selling. Even though it’s more work now, it could increase the value of your home.

Make Sure Your Flooring Makes Sense

The different kinds of flooring in your home shouldn’t be its best feature. If you’re aiming to sell a low-to-mid priced home, then don’t expect to make extra money because you’ve put marble tile in every room.

If you’ve got a large upscale home, then your marble tile might help you get a few extra bucks. The bottom line is that Americans love wood flooring and they’ll pay extra for a home with it already installed, so pulling up the carpet in the living room might not be a bad idea in the short and long run.

When it’s freezing cold with blizzard conditions, you probably wouldn’t go outside without a hat and coat. Noone’s going to force you to wear them. It just makes sense to stay protected.

Think of homeowners insurance in a similar way. It’s there to protect you and your home. Is homeowners insurance required by law? Here’s what you need to know.

Homeowners Insurance and Lenders

Homeowners insurance differs from car insurance because it isn’t a legal requirement. But, if your home is mortgaged, your lender will almost always want proof that you at least have a basic homeowners insurance policy.

Why? It’s all about risk. If your bank is lending you money, it needs to be sure the asset you’re buying is protected. Should something happen to your home then they’ll want the security of knowing that you’ll be able to take care of things.

For many people, their home is an investment as well as a place to live. It makes sense to make sure that you’ll be covered in case of theft or fire, for example.

That said, not all homeowners insurance policies are equal. It’s very important to sit down and make a list of the things you’d like to be covered for. Check the small print to make sure your policy meets your needs.

Standard Cover

Insurers will usually cover your home against fire, certain weather disasters, theft, and vandalism. This would then allow you to get the house repaired or rebuilt.

Remember that maintenance repairs would not normally be covered. So, if your drains get blocked or, if some roof tiles need replacing due to wear and tear, you’d need to pay for these yourself.

If the area you’re living in is prone to flooding then you may need additional insurance. You should also check to see if extra structures like garages and their contents would be covered.

Personal Liability

A basic policy should cover you and those who live in your home against liability. Let’s say someone stumbles and injures themselves in your house. They could well sue. Liability insurance would protect you against the costs involved.

Most policies will have deductibles. That means you would have to pay a certain amount of any claim. You should always check to see what these amounts are. The higher the deductible the cheaper the policy tends to be.

Your Possessions

It’s wise to ensure that your personal possessions are covered by homeowners insurance. If you have something very valuable then you will more than likely have to declare it when you take out the policy.

It’s a good idea to photograph your possessions and keep any receipts so that you have a record in case you need to make a claim. Some policies will cover things like bikes and laptops if they’re lost or stolen when you’re outside the home.

Is Homeowners Insurance Required?

Your home should be your safe haven. Is homeowners insurance required? If you want to sleep better at night then the simple answer is, ‘Yes.’ You’ll be safe in the knowledge that your home is protected should anything untoward happen.

Continue reading our blog for more homeowner tips about how often to replace your roof and energy solutions for those who want to stay green.